Steven Anthony Dorsagno

ORLANDO, FL- Steven Anthony Dorsagno passed away after a courageous battle, on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at the age of 54. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his devoted family and closest friends, who now find comfort knowing he is reunited with his beloved parents, Harry and Donna Marie, his special Aunt Denise, his partner Steven, and his dear friend Michael. Steven was born in Utica on September 7, 1968, to the late Harry R. and Donna Marie (Lucenti) Dorsagno. Steven attended T. R. Proctor High School. He was a young man blessed to know his destiny and thus graduated from the Utica Career Institute and became a NYS licensed hair stylist. While residing in Utica he was the proprietor of Steven Anthony’s Salon on Oriskany Blvd. He also took great pride in operating two drinking establishments, Whispers and Illusions. In 2003, he relocated to Florida for a change of scenery, new opportunities and future successes. Steven began his time in Florida with a partnership/ownership of Split Ends Salon with his dear friend Cynthia. They were voted by the community as Best of the Best in their area two years running by Wave. Before too long he ventured into his ultimate dream and opened Steven Anthony Bella Capelli Studio in Orlando. He was a passionate craftsman, a master stylist. His impressive artistry was magic. His studio was well appointed—his eye for detail was fabulous. He was known for his ability to conduct a business that was known to provide a warm reception to all; that was his God-given gift. He also taught the art of hairstyle and appreciated the creativity learned from hair shows. Steven had an infectious personality! He was inclusive and non-judgmental; he had a passion for life that he shared with all and was often his loved ones’ biggest cheerleader. He was almost generous to a fault. The volume of his vocals impressed the intentions of his statements. Steven was very balanced—he had his work side and his party side. Steven WAS the party and he entertained well and loved to do it. Steven was very independent and loved to sing to his own rhythm and beat and was always the last one dancing. Mondays were always reserved for wine tasting at Cooper’s Hawk Winery and restaurants where he held a membership. His red wine collection was so plentiful (though he would say he never wanted the white wines to be left out). You could always find him here surrounded by family and friends. He also often frequented Kres, where his dear friends Heidi and Jen worked and this was his go to spot when family was in town. Steven enjoyed travel, which was often and spontaneous. He saw the West Coast, Key West could not be beaten, his birthday destination, followed by a small entourage of his closest friends. He traveled to the Cape to P-Town for a memorable vacation with Chris Famalaro, as well as other dear friends. He ventured to Italy with Denny and Michele. They loved the wine and the food, site seeing and shopping, they did it all. That was #1 on his bucket list. Steven was very involved in many different people’s lives, which is why he was so loved in both his personal and professional life. He was extremely attentive to conversation, the needs of others, and had a great ability to console. He never hesitated to support a friend in need. He was one of the good ones! —his karma was so vast that we may never again see the likes of this kind of man. Steven opened his heart and soul to the late Michael Marks, and his family, Michaels mother Joan, and sister Mary. Some of his longest friendships included Chris Famalaro, twins Dan and Doug Harvey, Frank Malloy, Ann Briggs, Eric Brown, Renee Bostwick, Lindy Carter, and Melissa Alsheimer Howell, a group that originated in Utica that he often referred to as his “Golden Girls”. He valued equally his Florida friends including Cynthia Blanzenski, Denise, Heidi and Jen, Lisa and Lia, Lola, Bradley, Aaron and Judy, and Jason to name a few; Angel Ortego, a rare and special friendship—Angel put his life on pause to care for Steven’s needs. The family is so overwhelmed with gratitude for his love and kindness to Steven. He shared one of his greatest love stories with Steven “Poopie” Sandlin, who preceded him. As Steven would say, “Poopie was one of my reasons, my seasons and my lifetimes.” Steven maintained a special relationship with Poopie’s family, his mother Janice who preceded him, his sisters Shannon and Dana, and his brother David. No two people had the same relationship with Steven. There was nothing generic about him; he could read right into the soul. He would say “Come on, I’ll take you to church kitchen”. Sitting across the kitchen island to offer consolation to others and did so with much humility—never wanting anything in return. Steven is survived by his three brothers and their loves, John “Buddy” and Cindy Dorsagno, Harry M. and Dawn Dorsagno, and Beep and Lisa Dorsagno; he had great love for all of his nieces and nephews, Alyssa Dorsagno: she was his goddaughter, who he often referred to as his daughter and he was her “Pappy,” her partner, Tony Saponaro who also shared a close bond; Annmarie Dorsagno, their relationship had many chapters starting with niece, becoming her first roommate, and ending as best friends. Cheyenne Dorsagno, who he loved for her uniqueness and artistry- she designed a tattoo for him and several art pieces he proudly displayed in his home. Angeno Dorsagno, who in recent years made many trips to visit and help his dad renovate Steven’s home- Steven was very proud of the well-rounded young man he had become. Steven took exceptional pride in all of his godchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews. He is also survived by several uncles, aunts and cousins. He shared a very special bond with his cousin Denny and his wife Michele who visited him often. Steven will be greeted with open arms by his beloved parents, Harry and Donna Marie; his partner, Steven; his dear friend, Michael; his grandparents, Harry and Blondie (Cretaro) Dorsagno, Margaret “Peggy” (Alexander) Lucenti Comito; and his aunt, Denise Byrne, an important woman to him who encouraged him to live his true life and to the fullest. Steven did just that, his book had many chapters with many reasons, season and lifetimes and he always loved you more. The family will remain heartfelt in their appreciation for physicians, nurses and ancillary staff who were so kind in their care of Steven and his family. They truly cheered him on. Steven pulled “his strings” to have a fashionable Easter dinner for the working staff on that blessed holiday while surrounded with a table full of family and friends. Please omit floral offerings. For those wishing, please make a contribution to the family’s GoFundMe “Steven’s Journey to a Double Lung Transplant” at: https://gofund.me/b5476ce5; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 23, 2023, from 2-5 p.m., at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those unable to attend physically, you may be present via Zoom at Meeting ID: 840 0412 9591 Passcode: 502786. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will be held on Monday, April 24, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay St., Utica.

Steven Anthony Dorsagno

September 7, 1968 - April 13, 2023